CVE-2020-0638

Name: CVE-2020-0638
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-01-14T23:15:32.503+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 2.95%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-0638 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way the Update Notification Manager handles files.To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to gain execution on the victim system, aka 'Update Notification Manager Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 2.95% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way the Update Notification Manager handles files.To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to gain execution on the victim system, aka 'Update Notification Manager Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

2.95%

85.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Jun 13, 2022.

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-59

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Microsoft	Windows 10 1709	All versions
Microsoft	Windows 10 1803	All versions
Microsoft	Windows 10 1809	All versions
Microsoft	Windows 10 1903	All versions
Microsoft	Windows 10 1909	All versions
Microsoft	Windows Server 1803	All versions
Microsoft	Windows Server 1903	All versions
Microsoft	Windows Server 1909	All versions
Microsoft	Windows Server 2019	All versions

References

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0638Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0638Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-0638US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Jan 14, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-0638?

How severe is CVE-2020-0638?

CVE-2020-0638 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 2.95% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2020-0638?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2020-0638?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST